Lovage (Levisticum Officinale)
1st picture was taken last fall when we harvested some of our young Lovage shoots. Lovage contains Quercetin, which stops the release of histamins and soothes irritation caused by allergens. Lovage is commonly used for those with kidney damage in people with diabetes (diabetic nephropathy), indigestion, and kidney stones. Lovage acts as a diuretic and increases the flow of urine without electrolyte loss. This flushing helps prevent kidney stones from building in the kidneys. Taken internally, Lovage can help with painful joints like arthritis, as it reduces inflammation. Lovage is known for its celery like taste, making it a great substitute or addition to recipes that call for celery. Lovage is also rich in B complex vitamins and vitamin C!
References: Andrew Chevallier, FNIMH, Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine. And The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies, Nicole Apelian, Ph.D. and Claude Davis.